Center might reopen Tuesday

Darrin Podruchny, the city s preventative maintenance coordinator, inspects the boiler Friday at the Munson Senior Center. A boiler system, which heats Munson, and a ventilation hood of a gas range were the apparent problem makers that has forced the closing of the senior center for the third time in 12 months and twice in the past two months.

LAS CRUCES — Two sources that apparently caused high levels of carbon monoxide inside Munson Senior Center have been identified.

The building's boiler system, which heats Munson Center, and a ventilation hood of a gas range were the apparent problem makers that has forced the closing of the senior center for the third time in 12 months and twice in the past two months.

"The city retained the services of two outside consultants to examine all gas appliances inside the center to pinpoint where the gas is coming from," said D. Eric Martin, facilities management administrator for the city of Las Cruces. "They meticulously checked all gas operated systems to include gas pressure, connections, and settings."

Consultants hired by the city included representatives of RBM Engineering, of Las Cruces, and Massey Johnson Associates, who represent the company that manufactured the boiler. Raypak is the boiler's brand name.

It was determined the primary source of carbon monoxide (CO) gas was coming from the boiler system. City officials said while the 18-month-old boiler system is in good working condition, consultants found the settings for the boiler were off.

Those incorrect settings affected gas pressure, the times the boiler system operated, and air flow through its flue.

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"Because the boiler wasn't running long enough each time it kicked on, CO gas was unable to exit the flue," Martin said. "Cold, outside air then forced the gas back down the flue and into the building. This situation doesn't occur in the summer because the air conditioning unit circulates a certain amount of outside air, which keeps the building clear of CO gas. The technicians made the necessary adjustments to the boiler and are currently monitoring the system to ensure proper operation."

A second source of carbon monoxide was traced to a ventilation hood of a gas range in Munson's kitchen, where meals are prepared for senior citizens.

"The consultants found that the vent motor and vent hood required maintenance to increase airflow to proper levels," Martin said.

Air monitoring inside Munson Center will continue through the weekend.

"If all goes well and air quality inside the building remains normal, we anticipate reopening Tuesday, at the earliest," Martin said. Munson is typically closed weekends, except for special events.

City officials said Friday preventative maintenance will be increased. The boiler room, which is centrally located inside Munson Center, could be relocated next to an exterior wall to help improve ventilation.

While Munson Center remains closed, Dial-a-Ride patrons who typically eat at the center will instead be taken to the Eastside Center, 310 N. Tornillo St. Seniors who drive themselves will be served at either the Benavidez Center, 1045 McClure Road, or the Eastside Center.

For information, call the city Senior Programs office at 575-541-3000.